Wilkinson in squad to face tough-tackling Samoa

England coach Clive Woodward says he never considered protecting his match-winning five-eighth, Jonny Wilkinson, from Samoa's brutal defence by standing him out of Sunday night's game in Melbourne.

England has made seven changes to the starting side that beat South Africa 25-6 last Saturday in the tournament's most ferocious contest so far, but Woodward insisted the 15 to meet Samoa was, "on paper", a stronger team.

Woodward considers Samoa, which sits at the top of pool C after laying on 106 points in its wins over minnows Uruguay and Georgia, a "very dangerous team", and he had no hesitation in taking Wilkinson into the match.

"We've got to treat them no different to the South Africans," he said.

Wilkinson's boot was flawless under pressure in his accumulation of points against the Springboks, again underlining his importance to England's World Cup aspirations. And although reserve No. 10 Paul Grayson is a reliable and experienced international, by boot or by hand he holds few of the match-winning cards that Wilkinson brings to the game.

Woodward said suspicions that Wilkinson might be protected from the Samoans were entertained purely outside of the red-roses camp.

"We can't control what the media write, but there's never been any suspicion," he said.

"I think Samoa is an excellent team, they tackle very hard, but so does every team we play against, including Uruguay, Georgia and the South Africans."

Although Wilkinson put the ball between the uprights when it counted against the Boks, the 24-year-old was less than pleased with his kicking in general play and his handling.

Woodward said his vice-captain's inclusion had nothing to do with Wilkinson needing to quickly rediscover his touch.